“Before The Defense of Wake Island During early November, 1941 Harry
Morrison, Project Manager for PNAB Contractors came to Wake Island
and informed the civilian construction crews that war with Japan
was likely and he had been assured by the military that in case
of war the civilian employees would be immediately evacuated. But
in the meantime, we should stay and help get the Island’s defenses
completed. A few workmen took the next boats back, but even though
every news broadcast and Marine activity indicated that war was
eminent most of us were willing to stay and do our jobs. Early in
November Dan Teeters, CNAB Project Manager, told we different foramens
to give the Marines any help they ask for in men, materials and
equipment. Dan later brought Major Devereaux and one of his gunnery
officers to the airport, introduced them to Bill Ray, Excavation
Superintendent and myself and arrangements were being made for trucks,
dozers and cranes to haul, place and concrete the bases for the
5” Naval guns at the three points of the Island. Larry Grant and
his concrete crew furnished the concrete. Walt “Swede” Hokensen,
Waterfront and Rigging Foreman hauled the guns for them. Another
rush job was to build an access road to and a coral pad on which
to build the radio station on the east beach of the lagoon. The
carpenters were building it when the war started. When the 12 gruman
fighter planes arrived Major Putnam asked for an area parking pad
to be graded and graveled at the south west intersection of the
east west and the north south runways. A temporary air to ground
radio station was mucked out of the coral south of this location.
Cat operators used specifically on these and other numerous projects
were: Paul Robbins, “Black Jack” Graham, Hetttick, Boesiger, Pennington,
Edwards, John Barney, Bill Hanson and others. Crane and dragline
operators were Harrold Dobbins, Leroy Myers, Dave Osborne and others.
We were working two ten hour shifts in the excavation Department.
T. Bailey Lee was the foreman on the opposite shift from me and
I’m sure he and his men performed similar projects to aid in the
military defense and facilities. About December 1, 1941 the Marines
asked for volunteers to take training on various weapons. I and
other members of the excavation crew took training on 30 cal and
50 cal anti-aircraft guns and 5” coastal batteries which the Marines
were feverishly getting placed around the Island. Isaac J. (Ike)
Wardle, Excavation Foreman on Wake Island. Chuck Davis, Ray Quinn,
Assistant Excavation Superintendent George Denton, Labor Foreman
Cleo Brooks, Water-front Foreman Walter Hokensen and others all
had crews out from time to time for the Marines.

Stu’s Notes: Free dentistry for Veterans on Veteran’s Day. Oroville Dentist,
Dr. Sims Lowry will be providing free dental services on Veterans’
Day, November 11, 2014 as a service to those who have served our
country in the military. A Veteran himself Dr. Lowry is pleased
to provide free services which can be completed on the same day,
such as fillings, extractions etc. Veterans wishing to take advantage
of these services should call Dr. Lowry’s office at 534-5940 and
be prepared to show either their Military ID or DD214. Services
provided on a first come first serve bases.

Next week I hope to have names of the Restaurants that are offering
free meals to the Veterans. Just have your Veteran ID’s ready.

Today at my daughters house, Emma my granddaughter said to her mommy,
“When will Daddy be home,(he was away on business). She replied
“Tomorrow”. My mind immediately went to the Family’s of our Veterans
through the many years gone by. Little boys and girls asking that
same question which there was no real answer a mother could give.
Sadly so many Daddy’s never came home. We must never, never forget
their Sacrifice.

Be sure to see the Parade before or after you go to enjoy the hot
dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. Veteran’s Day November 11 at 11AM
from Feather River Blvd down Montgomery Street. Review stand will
be at the City Chamber of Commerce Office. Hope to see you there.